EASS continues celebration

Ephrata Area Social Services (EASS) continues its celebration with and Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4 through Friday, Oct. 7 and the 5th annual Family Fun Day from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9.

The Open House will be held at the EASS facility, 227 N. State St., beginning on the organization’s unofficial anniversary date of Oct. 4. Tom Swalwell, EASS executive director, said that visitors will have an opportunity to see the organization’s operations, which include the food bank, clothing bank and warehouse.

"We do a lot with a little, and all out of this facility," he said.

He added the EASS not only plays an ongoing role in channeling resources to support the community, but it also played a role in disaster relief efforts for area residents affected by flooding from Tropical Storm Lee.

Swalwell encourages businesses, church and school groups, as well as community members, to visit EASS during the Open House. However, to ensure that everyone can be accommodated, visitors are asked to call ahead to schedule a tour at 733-0345

The only service that EASS provides that is not out of its main facility is Meals On Wheels. Meals are prepared and delivered by volunteers at Holy Trinity of Ephrata and St. John’s United Church of Christ, Denver.

EASS is also hosting its 5th annual Family Fun Day on Oct. 9 at the Ephrata Rec Center, 130 S. Academy Dr. Entertainment will be provided by ventriloquist Ryan and Friends and entertainer Al Grout. The Ephrata Dairy Queen has donated Dilly Bars, and pizza and other items will be available from Wild Wings Pizza & Things. There is no charge for admission; however a free-will donation of food or funds to support the EASS annual Fuel and Energy Assistance for Families fund raising effort will be available.

EASS’s 40th anniversary will also be celebrated as part of the annual Mission Festival for Akron Mennonite Church, which will partner with the Akron/Ephrata CROP Hunger Walk program on October 15 and 16.

The Rev. Craig Goodwin, author of "Year of Plenty" will be the keynote speaker on the theme Food, Faith and Hunger during a dinner at the Ephrata Rec Center on Saturday, Oct.15, at 5:30 p.m. The meal will be produced using locally made ingredients. For further information about this event, contact Bob Wyble at 733-4939.

Swalwell also said the EASS will benefit, as it has in previous years, from the CROP Walks in Ephrata and Denver that are scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 16.